James Colin Spraggins, family man, freedom rider of Harley's, gun connoisseur, and accomplished diesel mechanic, passed away peacefully surrounded by his favorite possessions on May 21, 2018.

Jim was born in Minot, ND, but was raised in the bustling town of Berthold, ND, by his father, Newton Spraggins, and his mother, Coleen (Jeffery) Spraggins. Jim was surrounded by six brothers and sisters who he enjoyed accompanying in many numerous excursions with which would wind up with him getting into mischief.

When Jim was 18, he answered the call for help and volunteered to enlist in the United States Navy as a Machinst Mate in 1966 where he got to travel the world and raise hell in foreign countries. He separated from the service in 1968 as a Second Class Petty Officer with an Honorable Discharge. Jim's one regret he had was that he didn't stay in the service. Jim was one of the most patriotic Americans you would ever meet who often talked how he was waiting for the government to take him up on his offer to show these "youngins" how to do it right.

After Jim blew a rainbow out of the smoke stacks of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk when leaving the Navy, he swiftly went ashore to avoid blame, where he then wound up in Stockton, CA, working as a diesel mechanic for CASE. In 1974, Jim's greatest journey began when he became a father with the birth of his first daughter.

It was shortly after then he met his wife of 40 years, Sheila. They were married September 10, 1978. After years of dedicated service to CASE, Jim decided to strike out on his own and start his own Heavy Equipment Repair business in 1985, just two weeks after the birth of his second daughter. In 1988, he was in for a shock when he was blessed with yet another bouncing baby, and all his dreams of a boy vanished in a puff of smoke when it came out a girl.

In 1998, Jim discovered what true freedom meant when he purchased his first motorcycle "Ol' Blue," a 1998 Dyna Wide Glide. He ended up with a permanent adrenaline high and wanted one for every day of the week, although he quickly realized that it would be a waste of money because he only ever wanted to ride Ol' Blue.

In 2009, Jim traded his reigning titles of "Dad," "Sprocket," and "Jimmy the Spoon," and took on the most important title of all, "Grampy." Jim was blessed with a granddaughter followed by four grandsons. He didn't know he could love anything so much until he had grandchildren. While he loved his daughters, the grandkids could do no wrong in his eyes.

With "Sister #1," "Sister #2," and "Sister #3" grown, Jim and Sheila retired to Sturgis, SD, where he wished to live out the remainder of his days surrounded by all the things that brought him the most joy; his wife, his dogs, his Harley's, and his grandkids when they came to visit.

Anyone who ever met Jim knows he was the most impressionable person you would ever meet. For a small man he had a large presence. He was blunt and outspoken to a fault, and never shied away from confrontation. And while many people experienced a sensation known as intimidation at first, they also had an undeniable respect for him. Jim showed affection in his own unique way, and those who were closest to him knew of his unfathomable kindness, fierce protectiveness, and undying love for those he cared about. There will never be another man like Jim, as it should be.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sheila Spraggins of Sturgis, SD; and three daughters, Amber Spraggins of Tracy, CA, Laura Spraggins of Stockton, CA, and Rebecca (Ethan) Spraggins-Rosalez of Charleston, SC. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren that were his pride and joy, Mackenzie (9), Connor (7), Jace (3), Cillian (1), and Lucas (2 weeks). Jim is also survived by three brothers, Rand, Hugh, and Stacey; two sisters, Avon and Sharon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Mardeth, who passed 13 years ago.

There will be a public viewing Tuesday May 29th, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD, if anyone would like to say their final farewell.

There will be a graveside service on Wednesday May 30, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis where we will place him at his final resting place.

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